By Jill Russell, Travel Correspondent

Tranquil Resort with Two Championship Golf Courses and Exclusive Beach Access

Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway just a few miles north of the cluster of oceanfront hotels in central Myrtle Beach, the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes initially presents a fountain-and-palm-tree façade fairly typical of the region’s many resorts. But the unassuming exterior belies a charming, homey, highly personal experience that begins in the lobby, where an ornate chandelier dangles from a soaring circular atrium, funneling visitors into the plush-carpeted library. There, the concierge works quietly amid stately furniture and a cozy fireplace, and check-in occurs not across a chest-high counter but at one of two old-fashioned wooden desks. The amiable attendants make it easy, then follow up with a quick phone call to make sure everything is in order in the room.

In each of the 450-square-foot Grande Guest rooms, a sliding door reveals a terrace with water or marina views and comfortably padded wicker chairs. Inside, rustic furniture provides a classic feel while the contemporary bedding—luxurious 300-thread-count imported cotton linens and down pillows—just feels good. Spacious bathrooms boast glass-walled showers and separate tubs, Gilchrist & Soames bath products, and cotton robes.

In the mornings, Waterscapes, the inn's signature restaurant, will treat travelers carrying this Groupon to two mariner's breakfasts; each comes with two eggs any style, toast, and a choice of meat, with coffee and juice. Waterscapes’ patio overlooks the outdoor infinity pool and nearby marina, and, at dinner, surprises guests with an unlikely complimentary treat—a freshly spun tuft of pink cotton candy.

Bill, who works the inn's full-service concierge desk, cheerily books tee times at either of the Grande Dunes golf courses. Happy to muse on popular attractions, dish out local knowledge, or rattle off roller-derby statistics, the concierge can also conjure up a complimentary shuttle to ferry guests to both courses, the tennis club, or a secluded beach. A quick five-minute drive to the oceanfront area drops beachgoers off to follow a winding, tree-lined boardwalk path toward the sound of crashing waves. After strolling along the tranquil stretch of silky white sand, catching a nap in a provided hammock or lounge chair, or enjoying eats and drinks at the snack bar, guests can simply press the convenient call button for a prompt pickup and return ride to the hotel.

A Haven for Golfers and Tigers

Many, if not most, Myrtle Beach pilgrims arrive bearing clubs and collared shirts with which to ply some of the area's more than 90 golf courses, two of which are owned by the Marina Inn. The Grande Dunes Resort Club, named National Course of the Year in 2009 by the National Golf Course Owners Association, is a challenging par 72 that accommodates all skill levels with six tees on every hole and appeals to the eyes with seven holes adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway. The Grande Dunes Members Club, co-designed by PGA hall-of-famer Nick Price, embraces the local landscape, the front nine playing through towering pines and the back unfolding links-style along the water. Greens fees range from $85 to $195 depending on the season and cover a GPS-equipped cart to help duffers navigate the grounds and follow turn-by-turn directions out of water hazards.

From the hotel, a 10-minute drive north on the main thoroughfare U.S. 17 leads to Barefoot Landing, a boardwalk cluster of shops, restaurants, and the idiosyncratic but enthralling TIGERS Preservation Station. The free exhibit provides an up-close look at rare and endangered tigers, including siberians, royal white bengals, and the golden tabby. For $59, animal buffs can hold a tiger cub or a baby ape for a photo with up to five people, an entire immediate family, or half a regiment of Civil War reenactors.